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Are You Ready for Blackboard Learn Ultra?

Blackboard Learn Ultra represents the final phase of our four-year upgrade of our Learning Management System (LMS) at USC Upstate and the entire University of South Carolina System. With the launch of Blackboard Learn Ultra as the default course format across the University of South Carolina System in Fall 2024, we will be adopting the … Continue reading Are You Ready for Blackboard Learn Ultra?

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Please Read It to Me: Read Aloud Options for Course Materials

There is a kind of warmth that comes from being read to--a sense that the reader is making a gesture of care. Perhaps this is the attraction of listening to audiobooks on our morning commute or asking Siri or Alexa to read us the news while we make dinner, walk the dog, or complete chores. … Continue reading Please Read It to Me: Read Aloud Options for Course Materials

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AI and ChatGPT for Instructors

We've all heard the hype about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. For some, this technology is a death knell for original writing, learning, critical thinking, and higher education itself. Others see it as the latest in a long line of transformational technologies for learning and knowledge production, like the typewriter, the calculator, the personal computer, … Continue reading AI and ChatGPT for Instructors

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HyFlex: Choose Your Own Attendance!

Image created using Canva.com and BlackIllustrations.com By Jennifer Bland Have you heard the word HyFlex recently? While the idea of HyFlex courses is not new, they have gained traction in the nationwide post-COVID enrollment slump.  HyFlex courses provide the greatest flexibility for students by allowing students to attend face-to-face, synchronously via a scheduled virtual meeting, or … Continue reading HyFlex: Choose Your Own Attendance!

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Name Pronunciations and Pronouns Available in Blackboard Courses

By Celena Kusch We know how important it is for us to be the ones who determine how we would like to be recognized and addressed by name, and we are happy to announce that name pronunciation and pronoun features are now available in Blackboard. Pronouns and names help us to acknowledge and demonstrate respect … Continue reading Name Pronunciations and Pronouns Available in Blackboard Courses